Although the Ford Expedition (and other large, truck-based SUVs) may be in market decline, there remains a need for vehicles with their capabilities. In the 2011 Ford Expedition and extended-length Expedition EL, the automaker hopes to meet or exceed that need. Against rivals from Chevrolet, Nissan, Toyota and GMC, the Expedition stacks up well, offering innovative features like a power flush-folding third-row seat, the SYNC audio system and an external keypad locking/unlocking feature. With the auto industry slowly recovering, those willing to take a risk that fuel prices won't spike again may find now is the best time to make a great deal.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you have a big family, boat or trailer, you'll revel in the space and versatility provided by the 2011 Ford Expedition. Virtually every dynamic aspect, from styling to creature comforts to technology and passenger safety, is the best we've seen in the Expedition to date.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If a vehicle weighing in excess of 5,500 pounds absolutely disgusts you, look at something else. If you're carrying only passengers, the more fuel-efficient Ford FlexcrossoverSUV may better suit your needs.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, the Ford Expedition adds HD Radio and SIRIUS Travel Link to the optional navigation package.

Driving the Expedition

Driving Impressions
With the recently updated enhancements made to structure, suspension, steering and braking, the 2011 Ford Expedition is far removed from its truck-derived predecessors. Despite the tall seating position, the driving...

impression feels connected to the road, helped in no small part by steering with a good degree of precision. Over-the-road comfort is good and the handling feels balanced. While we weren't overwhelmed by the 5.4-liter V8's acceleration while towing, the Expedition seemed fully up to the task.

Favorite Features

Enhanced Utility The EL's 12-inch longer wheelbase and nearly 15 inches of additional length provide a huge improvement in capacity with little increase in cost or reduction in fuel efficiency. Sure, your garage may not accommodate the extra length, but that's a small price to pay if you're actually intending to use your full-size SUV.

Keyless Entry KeypadNo more worrying about where to hide your keyfob; with the keyless keypad entry system you can simply lock your keys and other items safely inside the vehicle. A preset combination entered via the door-mounted keypad unlocks the doors.

2011 Ford Expedition Details

Interior

The Expedition's seats offer excellent support, with improved contours, big side bolsters (we'd still hope for a little more lateral support), soft cushions and, on Limited and King Ranch models, upgraded materials. Additionally, seat-track travel for the driver's side can accommodate people from 4'11" to 6'4" tall. In the Limited and King Ranch trims, driver and passengers will enjoy plush leather seating surfaces, cup holders galore, attractive and legible instrumentation and a stylish center stack and instrument panel. Access to the third row is relatively easy and the seating is reasonably comfortable, even for adults. Opt for the EL variant and you'll enjoy both a larger third row and lots of storage space behind it. Finally, some of the plastic textures, though not cheap, do not seem to quite match the expectations of a $40,000-plus price point.

Exterior

The Expedition's big, boxy exterior is handsomely adorned in chrome, color-keyed trim and a lot of glass. Its tall ride height requires side running boards to make entry and exit easier, not to mention graceful. That same height, however, can make it difficult to move and secure items to the roof rack. A single piece rear hatch can be ordered with a power lift feature. The 2011 Expedition's most prominent feature is its recently acquired nose job, where Ford's now-signature four-bar grille sits front and center. What Ford describes as "crisply-defined surfaces and chiseled good looks" certainly remain, though augmented by the raised "powerdome" hood, unique headlamps and large wheel "lips." Finally, 20-inch rims are available as factory options, so there's no need to seek out the aftermarket variety.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The AdvanceTrac stability control system with Roll Stability Control modulates braking and engine power to help maintain driver control in marginal conditions, particularly those involving slippery surfaces. Trailer Sway Control and the MyKey programmable key system –which allows parents to limit vehicle speed and audio volume, among other things – are also standard. Occupant protection is enhanced with seat-mounted front-side airbags and a three-row "safety canopy." Other standard features include keyless keypad entry, six-way power front seats, sliding center-section second-row seat, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers and a 310-horsepower V8 engine.

Optional Equipment

Expedition buyers can choose an optional PowerFold third-row seat that folds flat with the touch of a button. An optional power liftgate is also available. Stand-alone options include a rear backup camera, DVD navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, the voice-activated SYNC communications and entertainment system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auto-leveling rear air suspension and a 340-watt audio system.

Under the Hood

While the 5.4-liter V8 is certainly adequate, Ford's one offering is overwhelmed by the multitude of choices available from Chevrolet and GMC. The V8's 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque are well-matched to the chassis, and that power is enhanced by a six-speed automatic, but the package falls short of GM's 5.3-liter V8 (at least in horsepower) or GM's 6.0-liter V8.

"Reliable SUV with little repairs in last three years of owning my Expedition. Third-row seats are comfortable with plenty of space to haul items when needed. Automatic third-row seats are very handy instead of manual. Only issue has been Instrument panel lacks lighting during day-time. When sun shines on it, panel is really difficult to see info that is on display. Radio system is great, and satellite plus hands-free phone system works well. Navigation maps are a really nice feature, too."

"My King Ranch has been a great vehicle. Super reliable, comfortable and safe. It has been my everyday vehicle - used to do the typical family in town stuff and our “go-to” car for long trips. I have had our local Ford dealer perform all maintenance since the car was new. The only problem I have had was recently - a bad lifter and camshaft. The service manager told me that they have seen these same issues in this year (’08) and size V-8. It’s gonna cost me $5,000 to repair - including a rebuilt head. Ugh! Good thing its worth $16 - $17,000 trade-in."

"Bought my 2008 Expedition when it came off a Ford lease program. It came pretty much loaded. I love the car 4 years later as much as the day I first saw it. It's reliable, easy to drive, has great visibility. Reasonable mileage for its size. Really no gripes."